dossier

Aveyron Activities

Day 1: Arrive in Cajarc
Depending on the time you arrive, our rep will aim to kit you out with bikes and go through the suggested cycling routes before dinner.

Day 2: Calvignac & Larnagol  (19km/11mi)
A nice gentle start to your week as you head west along the banks of the River Lot (lovely flat cycling!), passing first through Calvignac, then on to the Renaissance Château de Cénèvieres, the best preserved castle in the valley offering amazing views from its terrace. You can explore inside too – if you’re lucky, the Count himself may show you round the great vaulted rooms and secret dungeons! Crossing the river – the rock formations on the right bank are superb – you loop back via Larnagol where there’s a port, church, C18 chateau and exhibition of contemporary art in the Orangerie du Chateau.

Day 3: Château de Montbrun & Grottes de Foissac (29lm/19mi or 44km/24mi)
Today’s route takes you along the north bank of the Lot taking in the pretty villages of Montbrun – its ruined C13 castle sits high on the cliff – and Laroque Toirac, with its 7-storey manor house. An optional detour takes you up to Foissac – well worth a detour to visit Les Grottes – amazing stalactites and stalagmites – as well as museum and prehistoric park.

Day 4: Cycling the Célé  (39km/22mi)
Fantastic views this morning as you head up along the Causse towards Marcilhac. In the middle of the pretty riverside hamlet are the impressive and atmospheric ruins of the semi-Romanesque/ semi-Gothic C11 Abbey. On through lovely rolling countryside via St Sulpice to the ancient village of Sauliac that clings to its cliff-face of coloured rock – you can still see the entrance to the Château des Anglais (fortified caves) where the inhabitants took refuge in troubles times.

Day 5: Free day
Lots of choice today if you fancy a break from cycling: take the bus to Cahors (it’s market day this morning) where you can sample its famous wines, take a pleasure boat along the river, or just enjoy exploring the shady streets of the old quarter. Or you can spend your time canoeing/ kayaking, horse riding or following one of our walking routes up on to the plateau and to the tiny village of Prajoux where President Pompidou once owned a holiday home.

Day 6: Causse de Limogne  (33km/18mi or 45km/25mi)
A particular favourite stop is at the Saut de la Mounine(Monkey’s Leap) for undoubtedly the best views of the Lot – then up onto the Causse de Limogne and on through La Capelle Balaguier to lively Limogne for lunch. The town is renowned for the quality of its truffles and foie gras! A short detour to the Dolmen du Lac d’Aurie will still leave time for a swim in the hotel pool before dinner.

Day 7: St. Cirq Lapopie & Pech’Merle  (39km/22mi)
A full but easy cycling day as you pedal along the valley to the beautiful historic village of St. Cirq Lapopie. Take time to explore its pretty cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and Romanesque church perched proudly on the cliffs. Lots of cafés and restaurants for lunch, then it’s a lovely downhill whizz – great views – to Bouziès and on to the world-famous caves at Pech’Merle – over 2kms of galleries and caverns. To avoid a long cycle back, we suggest that you leave your bikes at our hotel in nearby Tour de Faure and hop on the local bus (20mins) back to Cajarc.

Day 8: Leave Cajarc
You leave Cajarc after breakfast.